FAQs

This page is for historical interest only – SSE announced in January 2017 that this project is being wound down.

Frequently Asked Questions, FAQs

Why is the SSE planning to build a new pylon line from Keith to Kintore?

The Keith ( Blackhillock ) Kintore Reinforcement project is designed to be a back up to the Beauly Denny Line, it will be a 400Kv line with pylons 50 metres + tall and spaced at 250-300mtr. The line will be designed to take power from the renewable energy projects in the north of the country to England and the Central Belt of Scotland.

What route will it take?

The actual route has not yet been decided but the SSE have decided that it will be within a preferred corridor which extends south and west from Huntly, via Gartly Moor towards the Howe of Alford and then turning east towards Kintore.

Is this the shortest route?

No it is not. The shortest route is via the A96 which already has two pylon lines running alongside. Other options are available, such as routing the cable underground, upgrading the current power lines or via the planned undersea cable south from Peterhead.

Is SSE’s corridor via Insch and Monymusk the cheapest route?

Probably not. The cost of the proposed line appears to depend mostly on how long it would be. Shorter routes exist beside the existing overhead lines. Or, as it seems the National Grid are now thinking, it might be overall lower cost to take the new power directly from North of Scotland to England via submarine cable.

If the official consultation process ended in May 2016, why has it taken so long for WAPA to arrange this opposition?

When the SSE held their Public Consultation in late 2015 the issues and process where not widely advertised, only a very few limited pockets of residents were advised of the project. In Feb 2016 SSE suddenly extended their corridor to a new area. CLAMPA ( Craigearn, Leschangie and Monymusk Pylon Action ) was established when the project ‘came to light,’ quickly followed by WAPA (West Aberdeenshire Pylon Action) in an attempt to inform local residents of the SSE plans and to formulate a reponse.

Why are you objecting only to the Southern Corridor when the line originates in Beauly, surely you should be objecting to the whole route?

We have been motivated by local concerns, those who set up CLAMPA and WAPA did so when they discovered how the plans affected their local community. We are in contact with other groups countrywide in order to establish a common approach and to learn from each other. Local groups have a better grasp of their own issues, but it does not mean we cannot work together.

How can I object to the route?

There are many ways – write to your MSP’s, the SSE ( Greig Taylor ) join WAPA, ( West Aberdeenshire Pylon Action ) group. The WAPA web site, www.wapa.org.uk section “How to Object” lists the ways and useful wording to make more impact.

Your presentations refer to objecting to MSPs, little mention is made of local councillors who will presumably be the first point of contact in the planning process, why is this?

Local councillors are indeed important, however it is essential to understand that, councillors are bound by certain rules which affect their reaction to projects. The most sensitive one is, if they express an opinion on an issue, they are debarred from voting in committee as it is considered they have already voiced an opinion. Nonetheless, they should be advised of objections and concerns rather than ask for active opinion / support. Ultimately, it is the Government which makes the final decisions and thus we have targeted MSP’s. Councillors are always invited to attend our meeting to learn of the issues.

Why do you not seem to have anyone in your organisation who has technical expertise in power distribution?

We have been searching for expertise ever since the organisations were founded. Contrary to belief, there is very little technical expertise which is available to us. We have spoken to retired electrical engineers who either have not been involved in transmission or do not know of any who can assist us. The field is now very limited, it seems those who have expertise are directly involved as their employment and thus not able to assist. Nonetheless, we are constantly asking for help in this respect and trying to increase our levels of knowledge.

Why has this extraordinary corridor been selected when other more obvious routes have not been?

This is something we would like to know. Regrettably, and so far, we have not managed to obtain a definitive answer from SSE or other sources eg OFGEM.

When is the project due to be completed?

Currently, this is not known, The latest NOA report ( Network Options Assessment 2016 -2017 ) has stated the project should ‘not proceed’. However, this does not mean it is cancelled – it could be resurrected in the next NOA report 2017-2018. The original planning procedure was meant to be completed in 2019. This is now in doubt.

Do the recent press reports that the Blackhillock to Kintore project is shelved mean that we no longer have to worry about it – that it is finished?

No, definitely not! The project has been placed onto a “Do not Proceed” basis by the National Grid. Their next report, due on 31 January 2018 could well re-instate it. We must remain vigilant and continue to fight for an alternative solution – preferably the underground or undersea option which is the subject of the Motion lodged by Mike Rumbles MSP.